Whitenack successfully cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week. The 24-year-old owns a 4.13 ERA over parts of four seasons in the minors and will serve as organizational depth. Tue, Apr 16, 2013 03:30:00 PM

Indians designated RHP Robert Whitenack for assignment.

The Tribe claimed Whitenack off waivers from the Cubs last week but had to dump him Tuesday to clear a 40-man roster spot for catcher Omir Santos. Whitenack posted a 5.96 ERA in 51-plus innings last year in High-A ball. The 24-year-old is far from prospect status. Tue, Apr 9, 2013 05:42:00 PM

Indians claimed RHP Robert Whitenack off waivers from the Cubs; optioned him to Double-A Akron.

Frank Herrmann (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Whitenack had a 5.96 ERA and 31/27 K/BB ratio in 51 1/3 innings last season at High-A Daytona, but he showed some ability prior to Tommy John surgery in 2011. The 24-year-old will serve as relief depth in the minors. Wed, Apr 3, 2013 03:23:00 PM

Depth Charts

Indians manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Jason Kipnis (finger) will likely make his Cactus League debut this weekend.

The Indians are easing Kipnis into things after December surgery to repair tendon damage in his left ring finger. The 27-year-old is coming off a disappointing season in which he batted just .240/.310/.330 with six home runs and 41 RBI over 129 games, but there's serious rebound potential if he's feeling good.

Indians manager Terry Francona said that Brandon Moss (hip) has been "streaking" through his rehab.

Moss had hip surgery in October, so it sounds like he is making good progress. He ran the bases on Monday. Francona wouldn't say whether or not to expect Moss to be ready for Opening Day, but he should at least find himself in the spring lineup by mid-March.

Indians manager Terry Francona indicated on Monday that Nick Swisher (knees) is likely a couple weeks away from game action.

Brandon Moss (hip) is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut in mid-March, and Francona noted that he "might be a little ahead" of Swisher. "I don't want those guys to feel like there's a deadline, because there's not," the skipper added. Swisher is coming back from surgery on both knees, and while he's been able to hit with no issues, he's not yet running at nearly 100 percent. The veteran should still have enough time to be ready for Opening Day as long as he doesn't have setbacks.